Has your dentist or oral surgeon recommended that you get your wisdom teeth removed? You might be hesitant to consent to the procedure, especially if you are not in any pain. However, it is important to recognize that failing to remove your wisdom teeth can put your oral health at risk, especially if they are impacted (stuck fully or partially beneath the gumline). What are some problems that can result from impacted wisdom teeth? This blog post lists a few.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the pink tissue around the teeth that causes swelling, discomfort, and bad breath. If it becomes severe, it can lead to tooth loss. It is also linked to systemic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and more.
Partially impacted wisdom teeth are challenging to clean, which means that bacteria could build up in your mouth and lead to an infection.
Cavities
The fact that wisdom teeth are at the very back of the mouth makes them difficult to keep clean. Even if you have good oral hygiene habits, you might accidentally leave behind harmful bacteria or food particles when you brush and floss. This is especially true if your wisdom teeth grew in at an odd angle and are prone to trap food around them.
Unfortunately, this issue can lead to the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the wisdom teeth. Cavities may form, which, if they are severe enough, can be the source of significant discomfort and sensitivity.
Damage to Nearby Teeth
There are at least two ways in which partially impacted wisdom teeth may affect neighboring dentition:
- When wisdom teeth trap food and bacteria around them, these accumulations can also affect the neighboring molars, causing them to develop spots of decay.
- If there is insufficient space in your mouth for the proper eruption of wisdom teeth, they may push against nearby teeth as they emerge from the gumline. This could result in the displacement of other teeth and negatively impact your bite.
Cysts and Tumors
Cysts and noncancerous tumors may form around impacted wisdom teeth, causing discomfort if they press on nearby nerves. These growths can also lead to swelling and potential damage to the surrounding teeth and bone structures.
Protecting Yourself
Impacted wisdom teeth do not always cause problems, but they very often do! If your care team has recommended that you get them removed, it would be wise to move forward with the procedure.
Meet the Practice
Our oral surgery practice features three talented doctors, all of whom are experienced in removing impacted wisdom teeth. If you are concerned about how your third molars may affect your current or future oral health, we are ready to consult with you. Reach out to Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Houston at 713-783-5560.